23 dogs, other animals are rescued in Santee

SANTEE: More than two dozen animals, including dogs, a tortoise and a skunk, were rescued from a house in squalid conditions Saturday, officials said.

County animal control officers raided the house on Prospect Avenue near Lemoncrest Drive after authorities received a tip about the home's conditions.

Inside, officials found a dead bird, 23 dogs, a tortoise, a skunk, a cat and a macaw.

The person responsible for the animals is connected to Southern California Chow Chow Rescue and Transport, an animal rescue group in Santee, said John Carlson, deputy director with the county's animal services.

The animals were unattended when officers searched the house.

Most of the dogs were tied up on short, tangled leashes inside the house. Only one dog had access to water.

Officials said there was no sign of food in the house, which was filled with debris, feces and urine.

The animals were taken to a county shelter in Bonita. Carlson said the animals are expected to recover.

Animal officers said the case will be forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for review.